Eduardo bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, will face trial for allegedly soliciting assistance from then-U.S. president Donald Trump to interfere in a federal investigation targeting his father, Brazil’s Supreme court ruled on thursday. The decision marks a significant escalation in legal challenges facing the Bolsonaro family following Jair Bolsonaro’s departure from office in January 2023.
The case centers around allegations that Eduardo Bolsonaro, who served as a federal congressman, attempted to obtain classified data and influence the outcome of a probe into his father’s conduct during and after his presidency. This investigation includes scrutiny of Bolsonaro’s actions surrounding the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasília and alleged attempts to undermine Brazil’s electoral system. A conviction could lead to disqualification from holding public office and potential imprisonment.
According to court documents, Eduardo Bolsonaro met with Trump officials in December 2022, seeking support to challenge the integrity of Brazil’s electronic voting system. He allegedly claimed, without evidence, that the system was vulnerable to fraud and requested assistance in discrediting the election results. Brazilian authorities obtained recordings and witness testimonies supporting these claims.
The Supreme Court‘s decision to proceed with the trial follows a lengthy investigation led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been a central figure in efforts to hold the bolsonaros accountable for alleged wrongdoing. Moraes authorized police raids on properties linked to the family and issued arrest warrants for several individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
“The actions investigated suggest a coordinated effort to undermine democratic institutions and obstruct justice,” stated a court filing released Thursday. “The evidence indicates a clear intent to leverage foreign influence for personal and political gain.”
The trial is expected to begin within the next few months, and legal experts predict a contentious legal battle. Eduardo Bolsonaro has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was merely exercising his right to seek international support for his concerns about electoral integrity. His legal team has vowed to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision.
